2012 State of the Commonwealth’s Courts

In recent years, the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has issued a report to the people on the state of the Commonwealth's courts.

This year's report highlights programs and initiatives that save taxpayer dollars and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.

The report also explores the critical issue of underfunding that is crippling the nation's courts. The Pennsylvania judiciary had experienced nearly a decade of underfunding when, last year, the legislature and governor took a first step to resolve the courts' funding challenges.

Interestingly, Pennsylvania's courts collect in fines, fees, cost and restitution that are established by statute, much more than their annual state appropriation. However, that money is channeled to state and local governments for general use and does not, for the most part, flow back to the judiciary.

Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille invites you to take a few moments to read the State of the Commonwealth's Courts and thanks you for your interest. Click here to read the report.